Thursday night October 20

Preparation

Opening response and confession of sin

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lordwho made heaven and earth.

Brief silence

Most merciful God,we confess to you,before the whole company of heaven and one another,that we have sinned in thought, word and deedand in what we have failed to do.Forgive us our sins,heal us by your Spiritand raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us.O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning is nowand will be forever. Amen.

Hymn

Beyond the Bounds of Time and Space

Charles Wesley

Beyond the bounds of time and space,Look forward to that heavenly place,The saints’ secure abode;On faith’s strong eagle pinions rise,And force your passage to the skies,And scale the mount of God.

Though suffering with our Master here,We shall before his face appear,And by his side sit down:To patient faith, the prize is sure,And all that to the end endure,The cross, shall wear the crown.

The Word of God

Psalm 16

Refrain:You, Lord, are my portion, my cup.

Protect me, God, because I take refuge in you.I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Apart from you, I have nothing good.”Now as for the “holy ones” in the land, the “magnificent ones” that I was so happy about; let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god.I won’t participate in their blood offerings; I won’t let their names cross my lips.You, Lord, are my portion, my cup; you control my destiny.The property lines have fallen beautifully for me; yes, I have a lovely home.I will bless the Lord who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind.I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration.Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning is nowand will be forever. Amen.

Refrain:You, Lord, are my portion, my cup.

Psalm prayer

Give to us, Lord Christ,the fullness of grace,your presence and your very self,for you are our portion and our delight,now and forever.

Scripture reading1 Peter 5:8-9

Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world.

Response

Lord, I entrust my spirit into your hands.Lord, I entrust my spirit into your hands.For you, Lord, God of faithfulness— you have saved me.I entrust my spirit into your hands.Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit.Lord, I entrust my spirit into your hands.Watch me with the very pupil of your eye!Hide me in the protection of your wings.

Silence may be kept.

Gospel canticleThe Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon)

Refrain:Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation.You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.

Luke 2:29-32

Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning is nowand will be forever. Amen.

Refrain:Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Brief silence.

Prayers

Thanksgiving and intercession

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Open prayer is offered.Silence may be kept

Collect

Keep watch, dear Lord,with those who wake, or watch, or weep this night,and give your angels charge over those who sleep.Tend the sick,give rest to the weary,sustain the dying,calm the suffering,and pity the distressed;all for your love's sake, Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

Conclusion

We will lie down and fall asleep in peacebecause you alone, Lord, let us live in safety.Abide with us, Lord Jesus,for the night is at hand and the day is now past.As the night watch looks for the morning,so do we look for you, O Christ.

The Lord bless us and protect us.The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us.The Lord lift up his face to us and grant us peace.Amen.